• EDIS2011(The 3rd Global COE International Symposium on Electronic Device Innovation) (December 16-17)
• Global COE International SYmposium (December 19-21)
  
• International Symposium on the Dynamics of Biosystems and Large Scale Information Systems (January 30 - February 1, 2012)
  

Note: In the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, certain events were postponed; others, canceled. Following is a list of each:

Postponed Events

• Osaka University Presidents Summit -- Autumn
  
• 21st Century Kaitokudo Lectures -- Saturday, October 8, Friday, November 4, Sunday, November 27
  
• Homecoming Day -- Sunday, November 6
  
• International Symposium on the Dynamics of Biosystems and Large Scale Information Systems -- Monday, January 30 - Wednesday, February 1, 2011
  

Events Cancelled

• International Exchange Meeting
• Anniversary party of celebration, Anniversary Bunraku Performance
• International Symposium on Innovative Nano-biodevices
• 16th Osaka University & Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Exchange Seminar
• "Dynamism of Immune Reactions & Regulation" -- Symposium to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Osaka University
• Robot Symposium
• 80th anniversary Nakanoshima Center Illumination (an 80th anniversary public relations event initiated by students)

11th Global COE International Symposium: Bio-Environmental Chemistry

Monday, December 19 - Wednesday, December 21

The 3rd Global COE International Symposium“Electronic Devices Innovation”
(EDIS 2011)
Date: December 16-17, 2011
Venue: Senri Life Science Center
The Center for Electronic Devices Innovation held the Global COE Program's 3rd Global COE International Symposium“Electronic Devices Innovation” (EDIS 2011) at the Senri Life Science Center. This symposium is one of the international symposiums to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Osaka University's founding. This symposium was made up of 6 sessions:

• CMOS Technology for Future System Integration
• The Impact of Wide Bandgap Power Semiconductors on Future Power Electronic Systems
• Advances in Neuroengineering IV/Nano-sensing
• Advanced Optical Communication
• All-optical Signal Processing
• Energy Saving with Photonics.
  

The total number of participants was 348. A wide range of discussions in each session brought about positive results for the future.
The 4th Global COE International Symposium on Physiome and Systems Biology for Integrated Life Sciences and Predictive Medicine
Date: November 21-23, 2011
Venue: Senri Hankyu Hotel & Senri Life Science Center
The 4th Global COE International Symposium on Physiome and Systems Biology for Integrated Life Sciences and Predictive Medicine, the last symposium for Osaka University Global COE Program, A Center of Excellence for an In Silico Medicine, was held. This symposiums is one of international symposiums to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Osaka University's founding. As a culmination of this program, researchers active in the front lines in this field all over the world delivered lectures. Not only young instructors and researchers, but also students in the second year of doctor courses were involved in intense discussions. Participants from Japan and abroad attended 34 lectures and 38 poster sessions during the three-day period. A total of 154 people participated in this symposium.
4th International Symposium on Atomically Controlled Fabrication Technology
Date: October 31 - November 2, 2011
Venue: Osaka University Nakanoshima Center
Osaka University Global COE Program, Center of Excellence for Atomically
Controlled Fabrication Technology held the 4th International Symposium on
Atomically Controlled Fabrication at Osaka University's Nakanoshima Center over the 3 days from October 31 to November 2.
This event was the 4th international symposium for the GCOE center and it was one of the international symposiums to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Osaka University's founding. In this symposium, regarding the latest production technology controlled by the level of atom, researchers in a wide range of fields including production technology gathered to have intense discussions. In a student session, students in the second year of doctor's courses made 16 presentations. In addition to 104 poster presentations, which was higher than in a typical year, students were also involved in fervent discussions.

Sixth Photonics Center Symposium "Nanophotonics in Asia 2011"

The 6th international symposium of the Photonics Center of Osaka University is the symposium for the Programs for Realization of Innovation Center for Fusion of Photonics Technologies (headed by President Toshio HIRANO, through 2016) sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It is also a symposium for the Advanced Nanophotonics Research and Education Center in Asia (through 2015) sponsored by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. The Advanced Nanophotonics Research and Education Center in Asia started with three bases: Osaka University, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Department of Physics of National Taiwan University.

This symposium was held as an international symposium commemorating the 80th anniversary of Osaka University's founding. TAKAHASHI Akira, vice president and trustee in charge of international exchange greeted as a representative of Osaka University.

Twenty-two persons from China and Taiwan and seventy-seven persons from Osaka University, Kobe University, Tokushima University and Riken participated in this symposium. Young researchers and graduate students in three nations and areas were given best poster awards in Meta-material, Nanostructures fabricated by two-photon process, and Plasmonic devices. Lively presentations and discussions regarding nanophotonics have facilitated personal exchange. This year the symposium will be continuously held in Beijing, China and Taipei, Taiwan.

International Conference on Martensitic Transformations (ICOMAT-2011)

Date: September 4 - September 9, 2011

Venue: Senri Hankyu Hotel

International Conference on Martensitic Transformations (ICOMAT) is a prestigious international conference. The conference was held for the first time in 25 years in Japan. It was also held as an international symposium commemorating the year of 80th anniversary of Osaka University's founding. This symposium was in danger of being canceled due to the Great East Japan Earthquake in March and subsequent accidents at nuclear power plants. In spite of transportation disruption by typhoon #12, more than 300 people from 31 countries participated in the symposium.

In this symposium, HIRNO Toshio, President of Osaka University, KUBO Shiro, Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Education, OCHIAI Shojiro, Chairperson of the Japan Institute of Metals gave greetings and KUSUMOTO Masayuki, International Exchange Director read a message for HASHIMOTO Toru, Governor of Osaka Prefecture.

Sixty-six oral presentations and 207 poster presentations were made. Many participants engaged in livery discussions about research, maintaining a high attendance rate during the conference period.

Celebrating Osaka University's 80th Anniversary, a "wrapped" bus sporting a student-created design

Monday, April 11 - Monday, August 8, 2011

With the start of the new semester, a campus shuttle bus, decorated with a student-created design, began operation on April 11, 2011. Based on a design by the Art Club at Osaka University, the final design is the product of discussions among students, faculty, and staff while reflecting the 80th anniversary theme "Reflecting on the origin... , Looking to the future..."

Buses "wrapped" in Celebration of Osaka University's 80th Anniversary

Friday, October 1, 2010 - Monday, August 8, 2011

As one of the events being planned for Osaka University's 80th anniversary, two of the campus shuttle buses have been colorfully "wrapped" in celebration and, as of Friday, October 1, 2010, have begun operation, ferrying students between the 3 campuses, Toyonaka, Suita, and Minoh. For detailed information about 80th anniversary commemorative events, click here.

80th anniversary public relations events

Roundtable: Intellectual Gymnastics -- What are the clinical applications of learning and training for human potential?

Date: Friday, August 5

Venue: Art Area B1, Naniwabashi Station, Keihan Nakanoshima Line

Specialists in various fields such as clinical practice, philosophy, science and technology, medical treatment, art, and community belong to the Center for the Study of Communication Design. The center will hold a round-table talk. President Washida, guests and specialists from a variety of fields and students will discuss the topic "What are the clinical applications of learning and training for human potential?"
Tel: 06-6850-6632

Handai Boat joined Tenjin Festival

Okawa Hisho Bridge

The ritual wishing for a safety of Handai boat in the Tenjin Festival was held at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine on Saturday, July 16 prior to Funatogyo in which 100 boats elaborately-designed boats leisurely cruise up and down the Yodogawa River.
In this ritual, faculty, staff, and six students of Kita School Noh Study Group of Osaka University visited the shrine and offered sakaki tree branches decorated with white paper strips to the gods. After that the students dedicated three dances, Kuzu, Kiri, and Shojo in an solemn atmosphere.
Osaka University marked its 7th participation in the annual Tenjin Festival in Osaka City on Monday, July 25 with the launching of the "Handai Boat" onto the waters of the Yodogawa River. In 2011, the university celebrates its 80th anniversary, and, thus, the boat set sail sporting the anniversary slogan "Reflecting on the origin... Looking to the future...".
A total of 178 people were on board--former presidents of Osaka University KUMAGAI Nobuaki and KISHIMOTO Tadamitsu, alumni, current faculty and staff, and a number of international students.
Making the voyage both pleasant and informative were special guests, the comic story-teller HAYASHIYA Hanamaru and Tenjin Festival guide KASAI Toshimitsu who posed as the conversation partner of the story-teller.

Passengers showed their appreciation for the cheers of the university's cheerleading group and the easy-listening music of the group JAZZ with warm applause. In this way, the 3-hour voyage reinforced the bonds of solidarity among the Osaka University family while providing memories for the summer ahead.

Osaka University Summer Festival (80th Anniversary University Festival Series)

Saturday, July 9, 2011, 11:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Minoh Campus, Osaka University

On Saturday, July 9, Osaka University's "Summer Festival" was held on the Minoh campus. The Summer Festival was the second festival held this year, the 80th anniversary of Osaka University.

Originally the Summer Festival of the former Osaka University of Foreign Studies, this year marked the 32nd time this festival has been held. This year's theme was the "3 C's" (Campus, Country, Community), a theme designed with intention of deepening the festival's relationship to the local community and about 5,300 people visited the festival venue.

Blessed with a fine weather, the summer festival started with a greeting from President Washida. A variety of colorful international projects including flamenco, a belly dance, and an African dance were performed on the stage.

Students in yukata and ethnic costumes hanged around on the campus. KURATA Tetsuro, Mayor of Minoh City joined the Obon Dance with many people and the festival came to a finale.

For the purpose of lending in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, in addition to the joint charity project in university festival series, a message board was made in cooperation with Minoh City Saitonooka Gakuen School people. All money collected in the charity project will be sent to the earthquake-stricken areas through the Japan Red Cross by the Osaka University Summer Festival Steering Committee.

A big thank you to all who joined the festival and gave a hand to the festival.

This Summer Festival will be followed by Machikane and Nakanoshima Festivals in November. We hope to see you there.

SHIBA Ryotaro commemorative lecture presentation

Sunday, July 3

Venue: Sankei Hall Breeze

On Sunday, July 3, under the joint sponsorship of Osaka University, the Sankei Shimbun and Kansai 2100 Committee, a commemorative lecture presentation was held at the Sankei Hall Breeze in Kita-ku, Osaka.

In this 80th Anniversary Commemorative Event, YANAGIDA Toshio, Specially Appointed Professor, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, and YAMAORI Tetsuo, former director of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies and religion scholar, delivered lectures on the theme of "This World, the Other World, and Beyond."

Following the greeting from President Washida, Professor Yanagida spoke about "The Universe and Life born of Fluctuations." He said that the universe was born from nothing, but fluctuations are a mysterious power creates the universe. Humans are all but insignificant, but their brains fluctuate spontaneously; intuition and creation are abilities unique to humans.

Dr. Yamaori from Iwate Prefecture gave his speech under the theme of "The Theory of Zero and the Modern Age." Citing his experiences in visiting areas devastated by the Great East Earthquake, he stated that Western philosophy does not accept the idea of impermanence, but Japanese both accept impermanence as expressed in Buddhism and the good things of the Western world. He stated, however, that now Japanese are losing this awareness.

In the talk after the lectures, the speakers exchanged opinions concerning the theme of life. Regarding matters that cannot be dealt with by conventional bottom-up approaches, Dr. Yamaori said that Japan possesses unique scientific concepts concerning reality based on its historical heritage, differing from the philosophical heritage of the West, and that Japan should take the lead in developing sciences based on oriental concepts.

Osaka University 80th Anniversary Commemorative Exhibition -- "Student Life of TEZUKA Osamu -- Doctor or Manga Author?"

April through June 2011

Venue: Shugakukan, Museum of Osaka University

In order to learn more about the birth of his achievements, this exhibition  focused on TEZUKA Osamu's student life, a topic that had been little discussed. He enrolled in the former medical vocational school of Osaka University in 1945, but made his debut as a manga writer in 1946. His student life appears to have occupied two totally different worlds -- medicine and manga!

In this exhibition, glimpses of his life in the mid-1940s was shown through his original manga drawings and pictures. During the period of exhibition, about 7,000 persons visited the exhibition.

Bioinspired Materials and Functionalities 

June 21 & 22, 2011

Groningen, Netherlands
As part of the 80th anniversary commemorative events, the international symposium, "Bioinspired Materials and Functionalities" was held in Hampshire Hotel Plaza in Groningen over the two days of June 21 and 22.
Seventeen faculty members at institutes in Osaka University -- Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Graduate School of Science, Graduate School of Medicine, and Institute for Protein Research -- and 27 persons from Groningen University, one person from School of Engineering of The University of Tokyo, and one person from the University of Oxford participated in the symposium.
On the 21st, following the greetings of TSUJI Kiichiro, trustee and vice president at Osaka University and J. Knoester, professor, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Groningen University, faculty members of the two universities delivered lectures in the two sessions entitled "Advances in Chemical & Synthetic Biology" and "Bioinspired Polymers & Hybrid Systems."
On the 22nd, two sessions of "Single Particle and Molecule Approaches," and "Biomembrane and Membrane Protein Based Systems" took place. During the two days, 22 lectures and 14 poster sessions in all were conducted. Under the theme of new materials science learning from biological functions, this symposium became a productive place for exchanging recent advanced information in these fields.

"Passing on the Spirit of Tekijuku" -- Osaka University 80th Anniversary Special Exhibition

Tuesday, May 31 - Sunday, June 12
Tekijuku, Chuo-ku, Osaka

2011 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of Osaka University. The university's spiritual roots reach back to Tekijuku, a "place of learning" founded by OGATA Koan, a physician who played a prominent role in the introduction of Western medicine to Japan. As such, the Tekijuku spirit consists of scientific endeavor, medical insight, and independent selfless dedication.

In this commemorative year, this special exhibition once more took a look at the Tekijuku spirit and examined the process through which this spirit has been handed down to Osaka University. Books and letters by Koan, drawings and calligraphy by students that show the Tekijuku spirit, and research activities at Osaka University based on this spirit were on display.

Moreover, some of the activities that publicize and promote Koan and Tekijuku were also introduced. We are grateful for some 1400 people who visited the exhibition.

The 4th Symposium on Cognitive Neuroscience Robotics 

Friday, May 13, 2011
Osaka University Icho Hall

The Center of Human-friendly Robotics Based on Cognitive Neuroscience of Osaka University held the 4th Symposium on Cognitive Neuroscience Robotics at Osaka University Icho Hall on Friday, May 13, 2011. In this symposium, the latest research results about cognitive brain system conducted at the center and educational activities to support research and academic exchange with overseas institutes were reported. Two lecturers, Giulio Sandini, Professor, Italian Institute of Technology and Gerhard Sagerer, President, Universität Bielefeld, talked about the current situation of development of cognitive brain system in Europe. Researchers active in the front lines and young researchers exchanged opinions in an intense panel discussions. A total of 120 people attended the 12 lectures and 30 poster presentations.

Cheerleader performance and exhibition (Student-led 80th Anniversary Commemorative Event)

Thursday, May 5, 2011, 1:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Performance: open space in front of the Osaka Central Public Hall

Exhibition: Osaka Central Public Hall

In line with the Nakanoshima and Osaka University Culture Festival at the Osaka Central Public Hall in Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka, a performance and exhibition by Osaka University Cheerleader Group was held on Thursday, May 5, 2011.

Courtesy of the 40th Nakanoshima Festival in the Nakanoshima Park, the Cheerleader Group performed for 40 minutes on the stage in the open space in front of the Osaka Central Public Hall. Under the theme of 80th anniversary event, "Reflecting on the origin... Looking to the future...", the group sung the dormitory song of Osaka High School and Naniwa High School, Naniwa no Tomo ni. Both high schools are roots of Osaka University. Introducing episodes regarding Nakanoshima and Osaka Univesity, the group sung fight songs and performed marching shows to the enjoyment of the audience.

To stimulate the development and revitalization of Nakanoshima and Osaka University, they finished their performance with cheers. In tandem with this performance, the exhibition to show the group's history was held at the lobby of the Osaka Central Public Hall. Thirty-eight panels of showing the history of the group celebrating the 50th anniversary this year were displayed. Visitors eagerly listened to the cheerleaders' explanation.

Nakanoshima and Osaka University Culture Festival (Student-led 80th Anniversary Commemorative Event)

Thursday, May 5, 2011, 1:00 - 8:40 p.m.

Osaka Central Public Hall

The Nakanoshima and Osaka University Culture Festival was held in Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka. Sponsored by the "Osaka University Culture Union," an organization of culture-related clubs of the university, students belonging to culture-related clubs worked together on planning the festival and its operation.

The event was conducted at two venues, the Large Meeting Room and Medium Meeting Room. In the Large Meeting Room, the Turkish movie, Hachimitsu [Honey], with subtitles by YANAI Tatsuya, 4th year of the School of Foreign Studies of Osaka University, was shown. Live performances by Troupe "Chauka Chawan", Mixed Chorus, Light Music Swing, and Light Music Rock were also performed.

In the Medium Meeting Room, under the theme a tour of the Philippines, Turkey, and Spain, colorful dances were performed -- Filipino dances by Filipina Dance Troupe OGF, a belly dances by Halaawaat, and Flamenco dances by Spanish Dance Al Compás.

After all performances finished, students assembled in the Large Meeting Room, and sang the song Akashi [Proof].

The 40th Nakanoshima Festival was held in the Nakanoshima Park where the Osaka Central Public Hall is located. Blessed with good weather, the venue and its surrounding area were crowded with citizens. More than 600 people visited the Nakanoshima and Osaka University Culture Festival site.

During the event, a fund raising event for victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake was conducted.

The Osaka University Culture Union sent the money to Japan Red Cross on June 10. Thank you for your support.

Cafe Osaka University (Student-led 80th Anniversary Commemorative Event)

Wednesday, May 4, 2011, 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Art Area B1
On Wednesday, May 4, 2011, Cafe Osaka University was held at Art Area B1 in the concourse at the Naniwabashi Station on the Keihan Nakanoshima Line. The Cafe Osaka University was sponsored by Scienthrough, an official student group at Osaka University. This event aimed to encourage people exchange through presentations of books and provide new opportunities to meet new books through the exchange.
The Cafe Osaka University consisted of three parts: biblio battles, exhibition of photos of professors' book shelves, and novel puzzles. The biblio battle is a new type of book review and is gaining popularity in many parts of Japan. In the exhibition of photos of professors' book shelves, full-sized photos of book shelves of Osaka University professors who are active in a variety of fields were on display.
In the novel puzzles, participants broke a short novel into pieces and distributed them to participants. Without showing their pieces to each other, the participants guessed the order of the pieces through conversations.
In the biblio battles, 4 Osaka University students, a working person, and Professor Satoshi KINSUI of the Graduate School of Letters introduced books under the theme of Osaka. In the lively discussion in which sharp questions were cast from the audience, Professor Kinsui displayed his eloquent speech skills. Consequently, ONOE Keisuke's Osaka Kotobagaku [Linguistics] introduced by the professor was selected as the book the participants want to read most in the voting.
Participants impressed with the photos of professors' shelves expressed their opinions in front of big photos. The event was held outside the campus so the novel puzzles in which participants enjoyed chatting with people of all ages were popular, ending on a high note. We greatly acknowledge the attendance of some 50 at this event.
For more information, contact: Scienthrough

Email: info@scienthrough.qee.jp

An introduction of Osaka University for high school students conducted by current university students

Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Toyonaka Campus, Osaka University Hall

On Tuesday, May 3, 2011, explanatory session, "An Introduction of Osaka University for High School Students", was held at the Osaka University Hall on the Toyonaka Campus. The venue was crowded with many high school students and their parents wishing to listen to current OU students. There were persons who came all the way from Tokyo in order to participate in this event, earnestly asking about how to study to pass entrance exams and about student life. Some people were so eager that they talked with students for more than one hour.

More than that, in cooperation with members from Support for Students with Disabilities, introduction to the university and consultation services were provided for students with challenges or chronic disease. More than 70 people visited the venue. A big Thank You to the many who came.

80th anniversary extracurricular research support funds

Research period: From June 2010 to March 2011

Results presentation: Monday, May 2, 2011

In the academic year of 2010-11, a budget for supporting student-led extracurricular commemorative events was established for 80th anniversary extracurricular research funds. Applications for extracurricular research funds are accepted every year in order to encourage student-led unique and motivated research. This year, projects appropriate for purposes of the 80th anniversary events were accepted for research using "Reflecting on the origin... Looking to the future..." as a key word, research on Osaka University, and unique and special research at Osaka University. As a special budget, 4 projects from 14 applications, and as a regular budget, 7 projects from 15 applications were selected.

The selected research projects were conducted from June 2010 to March 2011 and results were presented at the presentation and panel exhibition in the Icho Festival on May 2. President Washida, Vice President Koizumi, and Chairman of Student Life Committee attended the presentation. Students made presentation under 11 themes and the presentations were met with success.

RoboCup Japan 2011 Osaka

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Intex Osaka

The RoboCup Japan is a qualifying round for the International RoboCup and is held every year except the year when the International RoboCup is not held in Japan. This year, as part of its 80th anniversary commemorative events, Osaka University participated in the RoboCup Japan as an organization of the steering committee and served as a host.
The RoboCup Japan 2011 was held at Building #2 of Intex Osaka over three days beginning May 3. Including three overseas teams, two from Taiwan, and a Thai team, 846 people from 234 teams participated in the matches. The breakdown was 462 people from 5 senior teams and 384 people from 159 teams. The number of visitors reached 25,410: 7,620 on May 3, 9,885 on May 4, and 7,905 on May 5.
In the opening ceremony, NISHIO Shojiro, Trustee and Vice President and ASADA Minoru, Professor at the Graduate School of Engineering and former President of International RoboCup Committee, extended their greetings. Following that, the audience listened attentively to TADOKORO Satoshi, Professor at Tohoku University, as he delivered a special lecture on recovery in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The Osaka University's team participated in the humanoid league of RoboCup Soccer. The team placed third in the kid size (60cm or shorter) division. Only a joint team with Osaka Institute of Technology participated in the teen size (80 cm or higher) division, addressing technical challenges such as throw-in.

During RoboCup, many people visited the Osaka University 80th anniversary commemorative booth set up in the display section.

Panel Display -- The History of Cooperation between the University and Industry

Monday, May 2, 2011
Osaka University Hall
The University-Industry Cooperation Event Steering Committee of the 80th Anniversary Commemorative Event Committee organized an exhibition, "The History of Cooperation between the University and Industry." On Monday, May 2, the day the ceremony to celebrate the completion of Osaka University Hall was held, eighty panels showing achievements of Osaka University in university-industry-government cooperation were on display in the 1st floor Assembly Hall  and the 2nd floor Innovation Display Room.
Osaka University is highly valued for its active cooperation with industry and government. Technology, methods, products, services, and social systems developed in this way and contributing to enriching society were introduced in the panels. The panels were displayed in chronological order from the time of Osaka University's founding to the present so that viewers could understand that research activities at the university have greatly served society.
The panels were viewed by many visitors to the ceremony, including businesspersons and Osaka University-related people. Former presidents of Osaka University, Mr. Kishimoto and Mr. Miyahara, in particular, viewed the panels showing their own achievements while they were working at the university. Those research results contributed to the production of medicines by companies in the partnership.
Of these 80 panels, ones related to the Toyonaka Campus will remain on display in the Innovation Room on the 2nd floor and the others will be on display on the 1st and 2nd floors in the Techo Alliance Building on the Suita Campus.

100 Years of Languages and Nations

As part of Osaka University 80th commemorative symposiums, the Research Institute for World Languages held the symposium "100 Years of Languages and Nations" on Monday, May 2.

In Part 1, Dr. Ronald Suny, professor at Michigan State University and former Chairperson of the Association for Slavic delivered the keynote speech. Following comments by guests from Nigeria, Israel, Slovenia and other countries, there were lively discussions involving many visiting international researchers.

In Part 2, under the sub theme of "Local Community Wisdom and Language Education -- Proposals for the New Century," MATSUBARA Masatake, Director, Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum persuasively posed the proposition of a researcher who experienced conflict in the former Yugoslavia that sharing the knowledge of local communities through education and taking an open-minded attitude are needed in overcoming ethnic conflicts. The meeting was really fruitful.

Alumni Reunion held in Tokyo 

Friday, December 17, 2010, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Gakushi Hall

On Friday, December 17, an Osaka University Alumni Reunion was held in the Gakushi Hall in Kanda, Tokyo. Heretofore, a yearly alumni reunion has been a part of Homecoming during the Ichou Festival each year in May, a time when alumni are urged to "come home." However, in response to a strong request for a reunion to be held in the Tokyo area, this second alumni reunion was held.

This December 2010 reunion was very successful with over 250 in attendance and participation by President Washida, trustees, deans of schools, and alumni representing several generations.

The first portion of the reunion program began with greetings from President Washida. His greetings were followed by the lecture, "Japan in International Society -- Challenges and Prospects" by one of university graduates, YABUNAKA Mitoji, Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adviser, Nomura Research Institute. He talked about the relationship between the world and Japan.

After a short break, the second portion of the program, a time for socializing and mixing, began with greetings from Former President KUMAGAI Nobuaki on behalf of the Alumni Association and a toast given by FUKUWATARI Yasushi, Director of the Osaka University Medical School Alumni Ichou Association, Tokyo. This portion of the reunion was very productive with alumni within and across generations interacting, exchanging business cards, and reawakening enthusiasm for their alma mater.

Into this atmosphere, a performance of Osaka University student songs by the Osaka Male Chorus, former members of the Osaka University Male Chorus, enlivened this very successful reunion in Tokyo all the more.

Kaitokudo for the 21st Century Symposium: Gracefully Maturing Cities #3 -- "Looking back at Osaka Expo '70 on the 40th Anniversary"

Sunday, December 12, 2010, 2:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Oval Hall, Mainichi Newspapers, Osaka

Kaitokudo for the 21st Century Symposium: Gracefully Maturing Cities #3 -- "Looking back at Osaka Expo '70 on the 40th Anniversary" was held on Sunday, December 12. The symposium consisted of 2 parts. In part 1, a movie featuring interviews with UEDA Atsushi, architecture scholar, former professor of the Graduate School of Osaka University, KOMATSU Sakyo, writer, sub producer of Osaka Exposition Theme Pavilion, and IMAI Norio, artist, former Gutai Group member and  professor of Seian University of Arts and Design was shown. In the interviews, the three talked about the significance of Osaka Expo '70.

In part 2, in addition to five panelists, ISO Tatsuo, architecture journalist, ODA Masanori, former modern artist and media activist, KAMON Tatsuo, expo freak and singer, TAKEMURA Shin-ichi*, cultural anthropologist, professor of Kyoto University of Art and Design, NISHIDA Takamasa, Japanese language scholar, professor of Konan Women's University, seven Osaka-University-related panelists, President WASHIDA Kiyokazu, KINSUI Satoshi, director of the Center for the Study of Communication-Design, KIKUCHI Makoto, professor of the Cybermedia Center, KOURA Hisako, associate professor of the Graduate School of Engineering, HASHIZUME Setsuya, professor of the Osaka University Museum, NAGATA Yasufumi, professor of the Graduate School of Letters, participated in a town hall meeting hosted by KADOMURA Sachiyo, specially  appointed associate professor of the Office for University-Industry Collaboration.

The twelve panelists exchanged opinions about Osaka Expo '70, basing their comments on their involvement in the Expo and their analysis from their specialties. Together with persons attending the symposium, they discussed whether Osaka has made progress and developed in harmony. The symposium was met with success with some 360 people in attendance. We thank the many who made this symposium so successful.

* Professor Takemura participated in this event in the form of video letter.

A symposium for exploring learning styles in the 21st century was held: "The Kaitokudo Memorial Association: The Past 100 Years and the Coming 100 Years"

Saturday, November 27, 2010, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

NHK Osaka Hall

As one of the events being planned for Osaka University's 80th anniversary and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Kaitokudo Memorial Association, a symposium for exploring learning styles in the 21st century --

"The Kaitokudo Memorial Association: The Past 100 Years and the Coming 100 Years" -- was held at NKN Osaka Hall on Saturday, November 27 under joint sponsorship of Kaitokudo Memorial Association, Osaka University, and NHK Osaka.

The symposium consisted of 2 sessions. The first session started with the introduction of commemorative film of Chitoku-no-isan, Seiki wo Koete [Heritage of Scholarship and Virtue over Centuries]. It was followed with a keynote speech titled "Purposes of Education currently Asked" by SAKAIYA Taichi, a writer.

In the second session, a panel discussion was held. In addition to SAKAIYA Taichi, the fashion designer KOSHINO Hiroko, the former vice president of Suntory Holdings TSUDA Kazuaki, and Osaka University President WASHIDA Kiyokazu joined the discussion. MIRINISHI Mayumi, Professor of Osaka Shoin Women's University served as the facilitator.

This symposium was met with success with about 500 people in attendance.

2010 Tekijuku Memorial Society -- Special Lectures on the 200th Anniversary of OGATA Koan's birth

Wednesday, November 24, 2010, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Saji Keizo Memorial Hall, 10th floor, Nakanoshima Center, Osaka University

Osaka University and the Tekijuku Memorial Association honor the achievements of OGATA Koan and his disciples every year with special lectures. This year being the 200th anniversary of Ogata's birth, the following memorial lectures are being held on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 24. We look forward to welcoming many persons to these special lectures.

51st Machikane Festival

Tuesday, November 9, Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Osaka University's Machikane Festival, from Friday, November 5 through Sunday, November 7, has now finished. A big "THANK YOU!" to the many who came and made this year's festival a great success!

Osaka University Innovation Fair 2010

Tuesday, November  9, Wednesday, November  10

Osaka University was established as Osaka Imperial University in 1931 through the fervent support of the local political leaders, business communities, and Osaka citizenry. Akin to its motto “Live Locally, Grow Globally”, Osaka University has become a leading national university of Japan and an academic institution of global caliber.
As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of our foundation, Osaka University has established the project "Reflecting on the origin... Looking to the future..." The university is planning a variety of anniversary events. This Fair was held as one of the events leading up to the anniversary year.

This fair presented a platform for participants to exchange information about university-industry cooperation including joint research with Osaka University and establish fresh approaches to business growth and collaboration in communities of North Osaka. For detailed information, please go to the Osaka University Office for University-Industry Collaboration website.

The "Handai Boat" participated in the Tenjin Festival -- "Funatogyo"

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Okawa Hisho-bashi near JR Sakuranomiya station and Miyakojima station on the Subway Tanimachi Line

Osaka University marked its 6th participation in the annual Tenjin Festival in Osaka City on Sunday, July 25 with the launching of the "Handai Boat"* onto the waters of the Yodogawa River. In 2011, the university will celebrate its 80th anniversary, and, thus, the boat set sail sporting the anniversary slogan "Reflecting on the origin... Looking to the future...".

A total of 146 people were on board--former president of Osaka University KUMAGAI Nobuaki, alumni, current faculty and staff, members of the Parent Supporters' Union, and a number of international students. In addition, members of the alumni association of the former Naniwa Senior High School were also on board.

Before setting sail, representatives of 4 universities--Osaka University, Kansai University, Kyoto Sangyo University, and Otemon Gakuin University--exchanged cheers. Now an annual custom, this year the exchange was carried out on the boat of Kansai University. Trustees and deans of the universities enjoyed a pleasant time, greeted one another, and exchanged happi coats and cheers.

Making the voyage both pleasant and informative were special guests, the comic story-teller KATSURA Shuncho and SHIMIZU Fumiko (alumna of Osaka University of Foreign Studies) who posed as the conversation partner of the story-teller. Chairing this informative and humorous overview of the Tenjin Festival was HIRAYAMA Ai.

Passengers showed their appreciation of the cheers of the university's cheerleading group and the easy-listening music of the group JAZZ with warm applause.

Thus, the 3-hour voyage reinforced the bonds of solidarity among the Osaka University family while providing memories for the summer ahead.

* "Handai" is the Japanese nickname for Osaka University.

GCOE Program to commemorate the 200th anniversary of OGATA Koan's Birth -- International Symposium on Organelle Network: Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology

Monday, July 12 & Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Special Conference Room, 12th floor, Osaka International Convention Center (OICC GRAND CUBE OSAKA)

This year is the 200th anniversary of the birth of OGATA Koan, the founder of the "place of study" Tekijuku, the institution that is justly referred to as the seed from which the School of Medicine and Osaka University blossomed. Various "Commemorative Events Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of OGATA Koan's Birth" have been planned from July 10 through 14. This international symposium by Osaka University's Global COE program Frontier Biomedical Science Underlying Organelle Network Biology is one of those commemorative events.As you may be aware, OGATA Koan was instrumental in launching smallpox vaccinations in Japan. Similarly, the themes of this symposium center around infectious diseases. Researchers playing active roles worldwide will present lectures on the latest research. The symposium consists of 3 sessions, 3 themes: Infection and Immunity, the Organelle Network, and Host-Pathogen Interaction.

In Commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of OGATA Koan's Birth, the School of Medicine offered a Course open to Students

Sunday, July 11, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 4:40 p.m.

Special Conference Room, 12th floor, Osaka International Convention Center (OICC GRAND CUBE OSAKA)

Tekijuku, established by OGATA Koan, is not only the origin of the School of Medicine at Osaka University, but also that of the university itself. This year is the 200th anniversary of OGATA Koan's birth. In commemoration of his birth, a course open to students will be held on Sunday, July 11.

In addition to students of the School of Medicine, high school students and students of any of Osaka University's schools are cordially welcome.

In Commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of OGATA Koan's Birth, the School of Medicine is offering a Course open to the Public

Saturday, July 10, 2010, 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Lectures in the course will deal with the topics of Tekijuku, infectious diseases, and the future of the School of Medicine. The lecturers will discuss the role played by the School of Medicine while enticing the audience to consider "What is medicine?" and "What was and is Tekijuku?"

Unveiling Ceremony for Two Bronze Statues

Thursday, May 27, 2010

The unveiling ceremony for two bronze statues, one the image of an old-time high school student of the former Naniwa High School, "Tomoyo, Warerazo Hikariyo to [Friends, we are beams of hope]" and the other "Machikane Doji [Machikane Child]", was held in the Machikaneyama Garden on the Toyonaka campus on Thursday, May 27 at 1:30 p.m.

The statues were donated by the former Naniwa High School which celebrated the 85th anniversary of its founding to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of Osaka University. The high school is one of the predecessors of the School of Liberal Arts, the current Institute for Higher Education Research and Practice.

The sculptress of the statues, MUDO Yuriko, is a daughter of the late NOMA Koshin, one of the first graduates of the high school and a scholar of Japanese literature. Ms. Mudo is also known as the sculptress for the "Tower of the Moon", the permanent monument of the Aichi Expo.

Erection of the Bronze Statue "Youth"

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Unveiling Ceremony for the statue "Youth"

At 10 o'clock on Saturday, November 7, in Daiko no Mori on the Toyonaka Campus, the unveiling ceremony for the bronze statue "Youth", donated by former Osaka High School graduates, was conducted following the relocation of the statue. The statue "Youth" was originally installed at the site of Osaka High School in the Abeno-ku, Osaka city in 1962 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the school's founding. However, the current owner of the site, Urban Renaissance Agency, announced its intention to sell the site so it was decided that the statue should be transferred to the Daiko no Mori.